Character · The Shahnameh · Volume III

Barsamبرسام

bar-SAM

A commander of Chin whom Bijan sends with ten thousand horsemen, and who rides toward Farab to seize the fleeing Mahwi.

In the poem: First at E10.9, Yazdegard Hides in the Mill; last at E10.14, The Death of Mahwi of Sur
Named: 7 times, in 3 sections
Main stories: E10 Yazdegard (7)

How we draw Barsam

The identity sheet the illustrator works from. Tap to open full size. More in the Art section.

Barsam, identity sheet: Mature cavalry commander — **Mature cavalry commander**

In the poem’s own words

The 3 sections that name Barsam most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Barsam. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

E10.9

Yazdegard Hides in the Mill

Mahwi brings Turkish troops from Samarkand against his own Shah and flees the field, leaving him ringed. Yazdegard fights, escapes, and hides in a mill beside the Zark. The miller offers barley bread and cress; the king asks for barsom, and the errand betrays him.

E10.9.12
Command Barsam to march with troops instead,To help upon the field where blood is shed.
E10.9.14
Bijan replied, “It is well; I will not go;Barsam shall lead the force against the foe.”
E10.9.15
He sent out Barsam with ten thousand strong,Brave horsemen, swordsmen, trained for battle long.

Barsam named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.13

Bijan Marches against Mahwi

Bijan of Samarkand hears that Mahwi has taken the throne. Barsam tells how Mahwi used his troops at Marv, abandoned his own Shah in the field and then murdered him. Told that the royal line is finished, Bijan waits for Mahwi’s army to cross and meets it near Paykand.

E10.13.5
Then Barsam said, “O king, the mounted bandI led from Chakh went forth at my command.
E10.13.32
Barsam replied, “My lord, that race is done;The Arabs hold their provinces as one.

Barsam named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E10.14

The Death of Mahwi of Sur

Barsam runs Mahwi down on the desert near Farab and brings him in alive. Bijan has his hand, then his feet, ears and nose cut off, leaves him bound on the hot sand, and burns him with his three sons. The age of Umar begins.

E10.14.4
He called Barsam: “From out the center drawYour troops aside, and watch the man we saw.
E10.14.7
Barsam of Chin saw Mahwi’s standard go,And drew his troops aside, and was not slow.

Barsam named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes